Future technologies & enabling plasma Processes

RESEARCH

Building plasma science and engineering (PSE) research capacity in AL, including Low-Temperature Plasma (LTP) and space plasma science, in academic institutions and partners

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INTERNSHIPS

Supporting undergraduate and graduate education, training, and research opportunities, and encouraging and enabling access to plasma physics

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K-12 OUTREACH

Creating new educational and outreach resources and plans for  K-12 students and teachers, promoting plasma science and engineering (PSE) and general STEM

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Ftpp initiative

The NSF EPSCoR Future Technologies and Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) is a 10-member university and industry consortium. The project leverages Alabama’s laboratory and space plasma science expertise to contribute scientific knowledge, technologies, and workforce to Alabama’s aerospace, manufacturing, advanced materials, medical, bioscience, and agricultural sectors.

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Lead Institution: The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gary P Zank
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NSF EPSCoR Map

→ This image presents the collaboration among the partners.

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What is plasma?

Plasma is a state of matter consisting of a collection of ionized particles, electrically neutral atoms, and molecules. It makes up more than 90% of the observable universe and underpins several high-tech manufacturing industries. Familiar forms of plasma include the sun, stars, lightning, neon signs, television screen displays, welder’s torches, and rocket exhaust.

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NSF EPSCoR FTPP

Building research, education, economic, and workforce capacity through discoveries in space & lab plasma physics and creating innovative technologies.

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Jakob Doster is an undergraduate student at Auburn University whose research focuses on using cold plasma to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness 🧪 His work on cancer treatment innovation has been accepted by the American Association for Cancer Research, highlighting the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes and advancing undergraduate contributions to medical research 🧬 🔗 You can find the full article on our website under News to read more!
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Jakob Doster is an undergraduate student at Auburn University whose research focuses on using cold...

🚨 DEADLINE EXTENDED! ONE MORE WEEK TO APPLY! 📝 Good news! The deadline to apply for our three internship programs has been extended. Don’t miss your chance to apply! ⭐ ISWC – Study space weather and space physics in this fully funded international experience with UAH & the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Earn course credit while gaining hands-on research experience in a rapidly growing field. ⭐ CIPTA – Work directly with private companies on real-world projects in plasma science and artificial intelligence while building professional skills through industry-based experiences. ⭐ RIPP – Explore undergraduate research opportunities across 6 institutions in Alabama and find the project that’s right for YOU. 📅 New Deadline: Sunday, March 1 Learn more and apply through the link in our bio! #nsffunded
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🚨 DEADLINE EXTENDED! ONE MORE WEEK TO APPLY! 📝

Good news! The deadline to apply...

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 WEEK FROM TODAY!🚀
Click the link in our bio to learn about...

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!⏰ The deadline to apply for our three internship programs is February 23, don’t miss out! 🚀 ISWC – Study space weather and space physics in this fully funded international experience with UAH & the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Earn course credit while gaining hands-on research experience in a rapidly growing field. 💡 CIPTA – Work directly with private companies on real-world projects in plasma science and artificial intelligence. Build professional skills through industry-based experiences. 🔬 RIPP – Explore undergraduate research opportunities across 6 institutions in Alabama and find the project that’s right for YOU. Apply by February 23 — learn more on our website, link in bio! #nsffunded
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LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!⏰

The deadline to apply for our three internship programs is February...

We had a BLAST at Rocket City Weather Fest 2026!!!🚀
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We had a BLAST at Rocket City Weather Fest 2026!!!🚀

Dr. Edmund Spencer is an associate professor of electrical engineering at the University of South Alabama whose research focuses on advanced satellite and space weather sensing technologies 🛰️ His work has led to the creation of a spinoff company developing single-board satellites capable of measuring space weather, earning a $1.9 million Department of Defense SBIR grant, venture capital support, and growing interest from the U.S. Space Force 🚀 🔗 You can find the full article on our website under News to read more!
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Dr. Edmund Spencer is an associate professor of electrical engineering at the University of South...

NSF EPSCor ftpp

About the cooperative agreement

FTPP involves a partnership comprising nine universities and a research corporation in Alabama and is funded through Cooperative Agreement OIA-2148653 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track-1 five-year grant within the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)*. The FTPP project is overseen by the Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee.

* Disclaimer: The opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

vision

Alabama becomes a world-renowned hub for PSE (Plasma Science Engineering) by developing transformative future technologies (such as advanced materials, food safety and sterilization, space weather prediction) and building foundational plasma science research and industry with a skilled workforce.

Mission

FTPP will build research, education, economic, and workforce capacity in pursuit of making foundational discoveries in space and laboratory plasma physics and create future societally transformative technologies in the State of AL, utilizing Alabama’s statewide expertise in plasma science and technology.